CSX acquires Eastern Associated Terminal in Tampa

CSX purchased the Eastern Associated Terminal in Tampa, Fla., from the Ingram Barge Company. The phosphate export facility is adjacent to CSX's Rockport terminal on Tampa Bay and the combined entity will be called Rockport Terminals.

As a result of the acquisition, CSX added 12 new positions for terminal operations to Rockport's current staff of 25. Shantel Johnson-Davis, who has led CSX's phosphates sales and marketing efforts in Tampa, was appointed assistant vice president and general manager phosphates and fertilizers and will lead both commercial activities and operations at Rockport Terminals.

"Purchasing the eastern terminal provides strategic long-term value for CSX," said Johnson-Davis. "We will leverage synergies of the two terminals to better serve our customers and grow this important business."

Rockport Terminals are deep-water port facilities on Tampa Bay used for exporting phosphate from Central Florida's Bone Valley mining region. These facilities are located on more than 300 acres with more than 25 miles of track, warehousing and loading systems.

The footprint of the combined terminals allows for quick, scalable expansion and capacity for one million additional export tons. Johnson-Davis said that Rockport Terminals will seek additional commodity export opportunities and add import bulk business over time.